Genzyme Recognizes International Rare Disease Day with Second Annual
Patient Advocacy Grant Program

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genzyme,
a Sanofi company (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), today announced its
support of International Rare Disease Day with a series of events to
celebrate and recognize the global rare disease community. Observed
annually on the last day of February, Rare Disease Day seeks to call
attention to rare diseases as an important public health issue, and to
bring widespread recognition of increased need for education, research
and treatment.

“For over 30 years, Genzyme has
been proud to work with patient organizations to further access to care
and treatment for patients with rare and special unmet medical needs.”

As part of its rare disease day activities, Genzyme is pleased to
announce the launch of its second annual global grant program, the
Genzyme Patient Advocacy Leadership Awards (PAL Awards). Now open for
submissions, the Genzyme PAL Awards support non-profit organizations
that work on behalf of patients living with lysosomal storage disorders
(LSDs), a group of rare, inherited disorders that cause progressive and
debilitating health problems. Due to last year’s overwhelming response,
which included ideas and programs to improve disease awareness, patient
education, care and support from around the world, Genzyme has doubled
this year’s grant amount for a total of $100,000. Grants will be awarded
through a competitive application process to organizations that seek
funding for new initiatives that support the LSD patient community.

“Partnerships such as the PAL Awards program underscore Genzyme’s
commitment to the rare disease community and demonstrate the importance
of increased education and awareness of rare diseases to improve the
quality of care of patients around the world,” said Rogerio Vivaldi
M.D., Genzyme’s Head of Rare Diseases. “For over 30 years, Genzyme has
been proud to work with patient organizations to further access to care
and treatment for patients with rare and special unmet medical needs.”

In 2011, more than 50 patient organizations around the world responded
to Genzyme’s PAL Awards program and 11 patient organizations were
selected by the External Review Committee to win a PAL Award.

“We are a young patient organization with a big heart,” said Kenneth
Mah, Vice President, Rare Disease Society of Singapore. “We are proud
that Genzyme recognized this and selected the Rare Disease Society of
Singapore as one of the 11 groups around the world to receive a Genzyme
PAL grant. The funds from the PAL award have proven invaluable in
creating awareness in the community.”

Additional Genzyme International Rare Disease Day Initiatives

February 29, 2012 marks the fifth International Rare Disease Day,
created by the patient organization EURORDIS and involving rare disease
organizations globally. There are nearly 7,000 identified rare diseases
and many have no treatment available. While each disease is rare,
collectively they affect millions of people. Genzyme is an annual
partner for International Rare Disease Day, and has organized events at
Genzyme locations around the world that focus on this year’s theme,
“Solidarity.” These events include:

Presentations and testimonials by patients with rare diseases at
Genzyme offices worldwide;

Participation in a public event at the Massachusetts State House,
focusing on research and innovation;

Olympic-torch style relay with over 100 employee participants across
four Genzyme sites in Massachusetts raising funds to support the
National Organization of Rare Disorders;

Local offices including China, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Costa Rica,
Japan and India will partner with local patient advocacy organizations
and hospitals to support the day’s activities.

More About Genzyme Patient Advocacy Leadership (PAL) Grant

Organizations may apply for a Genzyme PAL Award for programs that
support lysosomal storage disorder awareness, advocacy on behalf of
patient communities, patient education and patient care, support and
communication networks. This grant program is supplemental to Genzyme’s
existing grants program and will not replace the contributions made
locally each year to support advocacy groups. Proposals will be reviewed
by an external review committee. Applications must be received by June
15, 2012 and the award recipients will be announced by September 30,
2012. For more information on the Genzyme PAL Awards program, or to
apply for a grant, please visit www.genzymeadvocacyawards.com.

About Genzyme, a Sanofi Company

Genzyme has pioneered the development and delivery of transformative
therapies for patients affected by rare and debilitating diseases for
over 30 years. We accomplish our goals through world-class research and
with the compassion and commitment of our employees. With a focus on
rare diseases and multiple sclerosis, we are dedicated to making a
positive impact on the lives of the patients and families we serve. That
goal guides and inspires us every day. Genzyme’s portfolio of
transformative therapies, which are marketed in countries around the
world, represents groundbreaking and life-saving advances in medicine.
As a Sanofi company, Genzyme benefits from the reach and resources of
one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, with a shared
commitment to improving the lives of patients. Learn more at www.genzyme.com.